Showcases
Each year graduating BFA actors have the option to participate in showcases or master classes in Chicago, New York City or Los Angeles. Agents and casting directors attend and connect with graduating students. Networking events with industry leaders and MSU alum in the entertainment field.
Williamston Theatre
Williamston Theatre is a professional theatre who regularly produces one show a year identified as an MSU collaboration. This offers current students a chance to work with professionals as actors or designers. Students serve regularly as understudies and assistant stage managers giving students their Equity membership candidacy allowing them entrance into the best auditions across the country.
Wharton Center
Wharton Center is a large theatre complex on the MSU campus that brings in Broadway shows and major guest artists. The department regularly collaborates with the Department of Theatre and offers students connections with Broadway actors and cutting edge film and theatre makers.
Stratford Theatre Festival
Each year Stratford Theatre Festival sends actors and designers to work with students. This renowned international company teaches master classes and coaches students during their residency.
Summer Circle Theatre
The Department of Theatre has a professional summer theatre offering opportunities to student actors, designers and stage managers. Every summer for 54 years, Summer Circle Theatre produces several shows in June paying competitive salaries to student actors, designers and stage managers. Summer Circle Theatre performs in the amphitheater between the Auditorium and the Kresge Art Center.
Young Playwrights Festival
Wharton Center and The Department of Theatre regularly produce a collection of selected one act plays from high school students across Michigan. Department students are paid to act, direct and stage manage and connect with national playwriting mentors.
Film and TV Opportunities
The DOT has three levels of media acting and offers numerous chances to present your work on camera. Many opportunities exist for students to act and work in all capacities in film work sponsored in the department and other units on campus. Many DOT students also participate in television shows sponsored by “MSU Telecasters.” Feature films and commercials filming in mid-Michigan all work with MSU students.
Study Abroad & Study Away
Students often participate in many of our study programs.
Study Away in Los Angeles: This program is devoted to film acting and connects students during their month-long study with LA film and television artists and agents.
Study Away in New York City: This program is devoted to the multifaceted arts and culture scene in New York City.
Study Abroad in London: 6 weeks in London seeing the best theatre, meeting the best artists and traveling the country. This program is extremely popular with DOT students.
Guest Artists
Numerous guest artists work with MSU students each year.
Student Productions
Students are given regular slots in various theatres to create student written and/or directed productions. The department will pay for royalties and students are given the freedom to create. Other places for students to perform include Olin Health Troupe, Transforming Theatre Ensemble and many more.
Haunted Aud
Each year students take over the Auditorium Building and create an elaborate Haunted House generally raising about $30,000 over three nights. All of the money is used to assist graduating students to attend showcases, auditions and conferences.
Sense-Ability Ensemble
The Sense-Ability Ensemble is a group of MSU Theatre students that create innovative, multi-sensory, interactive theatrical performances for audiences that are neurodiverse. The performers are trained to respond sensitively, tailoring sensory experiences to individual audience members, highlighting the power of diversity and ability, and striving to provide theatre access for all.
Alumni
MSU has a large network of alumni across the US and the globe. Connecting with alum can lead to internships, job shadowing, and jobs in theatre, film and arts administration.